The research question is: How does medical equipment/technology affect life at home for children, young people and young adults with complex healthcare needs and their family?

This study is important because it will fill the current gap in the evidence base about what it is like to live with medical equipment.

The findings from this study could influence how equipment and services are developed and delivered to best support children, young people and young adults with complex healthcare needs and their family to live at home together.

Can I find out more about the research?

Is there a participant information sheet? A website?

There is a flyer and specific participant information sheets available.

If you are interested in the study you can contact the researcher (Tracy Mitchell) on email: Tracy.Mitchell@edgehill.ac.uk or phone: 01695 650960/654353.

The researcher can then send you the appropriate information sheet(s).

The study does not have its own website.

How long would I need to be involved?

It will take each person between 1 and 2 hours in total.

Who is needed:

Children and young people aged 5-25 years who have a medical condition that causes them to currently rely upon at least two pieces of medical equipment at home, and have used this equipment for at least three months. The child and young person lives in the North West of England (Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire and Greater Manchester counties),

And / Or

Parents, carers or relatives (Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents etc.) of a child or young person who meets the above criteria.

How many people are needed?

The study needs to recruit 15 children, young people and young adults and/or their parents, carers or relatives who provide care for them.

What would I need to do?

(eg, face-to-face interview, telephone interview, questionnaire)

If you decide to take part in the study, you can choose to either:

1. Take (or direct the taking of) some photos about your life with medical equipmentat home and then talk to the researcher in an interview about the photos

OR

2. Just talk to the researcher in an interview about your life with medical equipment at home.

Where would I need to go?

Where will the involvement take place (eg, in a particular hospital, at home)

If you decide to take part the researcher will come to meet you in your home. If you prefer to meet somewhere else, the researcher will try to make this happen.

What is the deadline?

When is the final date for me to respond if I’m interested in taking part?

The deadline is 31st August 2018. However, because this study does not need very many children and families, the researcher might recruit enough people before this deadline. If the researcher does recruit all the people she needs, then even if you are interested in taking part, she might not be able to include you/your child in the study.

Who do I need to contact if I’m interested in taking part?

Tracy Mitchell

Graduate Teaching Assistant/PhD Studentship

Faculty of Health & Social Care,

Edge Hill University,

St. Helens Road, Ormskirk. L39 4QP

Tel: 01695 650960/01695 654353

Email: Tracy.Mitchell@edgehill.ac.uk

Name of Principle Investigator?

Tracy Mitchell

Institutions involved?

Edge Hill University

Name of research Ethics Committee that has approved the research and date approved.

The Faculty of Health & Social Care Research Ethics Committee, Edge Hill University, St. Helens Road, Ormskirk, L39 4QP has approved the research on 27th June 2017.